Hailed in ancient mythology as the inspiration for the mermaid myth, the dugong—an elusive marine mammal—has fascinated humankind for centuries. Known as the “lady of the sea” from its Malay-derived name dayung, the dugong exudes an elegance that contrasts its robust, blubbery appearance. Observing these gentle giants gracefully glide along the ocean floor, cradling their young with tender flippers, one can understand why they were once romanticized as symbols of femininity across cultures. Yet, in stark contrast to their mythical allure, dugongs today face an uncertain and perilous reality.
A Vulnerable Species in Peril
Dugongs belong to the order Sirenia, from which the word “siren” originates, cementing their ties to mythology. These herbivorous mammals inhabit warm coastal waters stretching from East Africa to Vanuatu in the South Pacific. However, their range and numbers are rapidly shrinking. Classified as a globally vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the global population of dugongs has decreased by 20% over the past 90 years. They have already disappeared from regions such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mauritius, and parts of Sri Lanka’s western coast.
In Sri Lanka, dugongs are now limited to the northern waters near the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar. This restricted habitat is under constant threat from unsustainable fishing practices, illegal hunting, and environmental degradation, placing the survival of these “sea cows” at grave risk.
Ancient Connections to Sri Lanka
The dugong’s presence in Sri Lanka’s waters dates back thousands of years. Excavations have unearthed dugong bones with cut marks, suggesting that ancient civilizations, such as the Yakkas, Nagas, and Asuras, consumed their flesh. Dugong bones were even used to craft artifacts, such as a phallic sculpture discovered at Jethawanaramaya, hinting at the dugong’s cultural and possibly symbolic significance.
Despite being declared a protected species in Sri Lanka in 1970 under the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance, the dugong continues to be hunted illegally. According to a leading researcher, a leading researcher on dugongs, the demand for dugong meat remains high, particularly in the northwestern coastal areas. Fishermen often pass off dolphin and turtle meat as dugong meat, underscoring the lucrative black market for these marine mammals.
Deadly Threats to Dugongs
Dugongs, with their herbivorous diet of seagrass, depend on shallow coastal waters for survival. Unfortunately, these habitats are fraught with dangers. One significant threat is gillnet fishing, where vertical panels of netting ensnare marine animals. Dugongs often get tangled in these nets and suffocate. Another grave threat is illegal blast fishing, where dynamite is used to kill targeted animals, including dugongs. This destructive practice not only endangers dugongs but also devastates marine ecosystems, killing everything within the blast radius.
Bottom trawling, though banned in Sri Lanka in 2017, continues to wreak havoc in some areas due to inadequate enforcement. This fishing method damages seagrass beds—a critical food source for dugongs—and destroys the fragile marine environment. Dr. Nanayakkara notes that political influence and the displacement of local communities during the civil war have exacerbated the issue.
A Global and Historical Perspective
The plight of the dugong mirrors that of its extinct relative, the Steller’s sea cow (Hydrodamalis gigas). Once found in the North Pacific, this species was hunted to extinction in the 1700s. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked exploitation. Dugongs, despite having legal protection in most of their range, face similar challenges. Habitat destruction, boat collisions, and accidental capture in fishing gear continue to threaten their survival.
The Unique Ecology of Dugongs
Unlike their freshwater-loving relatives, the manatees, dugongs are exclusively marine mammals. They graze on seagrass, using their strong, cleft upper lips to uproot their food, much like terrestrial cows. Dugongs can grow up to 13 feet (4 meters) long and weigh nearly 600 pounds (270 kilograms). Despite their size, their brains are relatively small, as their herbivorous diet does not demand complex hunting strategies.
Dugongs reproduce slowly, giving birth to a single calf every 3 to 7 years. Mothers nurse their young for up to 18 months, forging strong bonds. While adult dugongs have no natural predators, juveniles are vulnerable to saltwater crocodiles, killer whales, and large coastal sharks.
Challenges in Conservation
Conserving dugongs is a daunting task, particularly in developing nations like Sri Lanka, where marine research remains underfunded. During the country’s civil war, access to northern waters was restricted, delaying comprehensive research for decades. Even now, the vastness of the ocean and the high costs of marine research pose significant hurdles.
Several organizations, including the Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project and the Biodiversity Education and Research group, are working to bridge these gaps. These groups aim to better understand dugong populations and their habitats while promoting sustainable fishing practices.
Community-Led Solutions
a representative of the Department of Wildlife Conservation of the Department of Wildlife Conservation emphasizes the importance of engaging local communities in conservation efforts. Given the vast area of the sea and limited government resources, community participation is essential. In the Gulf of Mannar, initiatives have provided fishermen with alternative nets that minimize risks to dugongs. While these nets yield fewer fish, efforts are underway to compensate for the loss of income by offering alternative livelihoods, such as sewing and garment-making.
Tourism has also been identified as a potential solution. By training local youth as tourist guides and teaching them English, communities can benefit economically while fostering a sense of ownership over conservation efforts. However, the representative stresses the need for sustainable tourism practices that prioritize environmental preservation.
A Fragile Future
The dugong’s future hangs in the balance. With their populations already depleted in many regions, urgent action is needed to prevent further decline. Conservation efforts must address both the immediate threats, such as illegal fishing and habitat destruction, and the underlying socioeconomic factors driving these practices.
As we navigate this critical juncture, the dugong serves as a poignant symbol of our relationship with the natural world. Its survival depends not only on scientific research and legal protections but also on the collective will of governments, communities, and individuals. By embracing sustainable practices and fostering a deeper connection to the ocean, we may yet ensure that the “mermaids of the sea” continue to grace our waters for generations to come.
In the end, saving the dugong is about more than preserving a single species. It is a call to action to protect the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and honor the cultural and ecological legacy of these gentle giants.